(life is sweeter here)

events

This past weekend, E and I opted for a long girls weekend to see our beloved friend, LC. We drove up to explore the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. I looked to one of my favorite blog resources, designsponge for some travel advice and it proved right (we even stumbled upon some of the same shops unintentionally). Between LC’s knowledge of the city, running into people in the gelato shop, and help from this travel guide, I’ve created an adapted guide to having a full weekend of eating, drinking, site seeing, and shopping in Charleston. Food seems to steal the spotlight in the South, if that’s not apparent…hopefully more sites on our next visit! Links to places of sites and food below :)

Food

Five Loaves Cafe: A well priced lunch shop on Cannon Street; everything on the menu looked so good it took a while (& a mimosa) to make decisions. We enjoyed the chicken salad on croissant, sweet potato goat cheese soup, chef special fried green tomato sandwich, and delicious sweet basil & honey dressing on spinach salad the most–gathered that you can’t go wrong here.

Minero: This new Mexican eatery is run by award winning chef Sean Brock. While the wait was long (do not recommend going with a large group), the margaritas, dips, and intriguing tacos made it worthwhile. You might even get so lucky to have a secret admirer send napkin notes… And it’s due to open at Ponce City Market soon! Get ready Atlanta.

Triangle Char & Bar: Charlestonians love brunch–with three locations in the city this place provided a fun brunching atmosphere with open air seating and a fun wait staff (that I’m pretty sure knew the rest of our gang as regulars).

Belgian Gelato: The 10 degree temperature increase (and all of the walking) put gelato on the brain. Our eyes were a little big for our already full stomachs, but when in Rome–get the whipped cream AND chocolate sauce ;)

Sites

King Street: A beautiful mix of stores in pretty historic buildings along a pedestrian friendly street.

Calhoun Mansion: Seeing how current residents use these famous spaces is always interesting. This particular mansion housed antiques on every surface adding up to a billion dollars of collectibles. I think I could do without the elephant hooves in the men’s parlor, seeing the interior of the house was quite an experience. Across the street is home to the largest porches in the city, swoon.

Rainbow Row: An adorable waterfront strip of the city with pastel painted houses lined up for wanderers to admire.

Shops

Charleston City Market: A partially covered galley of local vendors selling everything from sweetgrass baskets to local seasoning mixes. The history behind the original building use is incredible as well.

Mac & Murphy: While you’re on Cannon, stroll on over to this quaint card shop with Charleston influenced paper displays and unique household items. Seen first on the designsponge blog, second in person <3

Final Cut: Not technically in Charleston, but a good halfway point between Atlanta for final cut items from the URBN brands. Needless to say, we wound up squeezing an arm chair into a little Civic for the remainder of the drive home.

Charleston, we had some fun! But, I still think we should have won the guac off–rematch next trip.

With full intentions of showing some glittery, gold DIY decor for my New Years shindig, it didn’t happen before the 31st. I feel like my new year started in December when I changed a few big things in my life. I’ve been enjoying a jump start on new years developing and discovering these new adventures over the past few weeks. This new years break from work hasn’t been exceptionally productive–but restful sleep leads to more productivity so I’m counting it as a win. Hope you could celebrate the new year exactly how you wished. This year, I did. I put my phone down once everyone arrived, which means pictures are limited (and all include yours truly). But here’s a peek into some New Years Eve activities (cards of humanity winning hands and videos not uploaded–if anyone has these, I’d love them) here’s to a new year :)

I’ve been battling a summer cold this week and let me tell you: it’s been a hard week. BUT IT’S FRIDAY–the best day. Last night D came over and made me get out of my bed, enticing me with a soup date. I walked around Virginia Highlands with my eyes to the clouds after seeing two people in my neighborhood post instagram photos of a double rainbow. It was not our lucky night for a rainbow, but an evening stroll to get something soft and warm to eat might have been just what the doctor ordered. But as far as the clouds go, did anyone else see the ominously beautiful sky last night–the cotton candy pink next to rain clouds blew my mind. Now that it’s Friday I’m feeling better and looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend ahead. I’ve been playing this on repeat, hopefully you’ll enjoy a little Tennis for your Friday!

The other night a few girls and I gathered at Bantam Pub to share stories from their weekend in town and my mini beach vacation. It had only been a few days since we’d seen each other, but who can turn down a fun cocktail hour (especially with these unusually cool summer nights). After asking our waitress to take the last photo on the disposable, it immediately sparked discussion. The group behind us inquired on the cranking then click–“Is that a disposable camera?” “Is this the first time any of you have used one?” “Are there 24 or 36 pictures on the roll?”

Now I know, the Kodak funsaver came with 24 photos (plus a few doubles–thanks CVS). We took a picture with the entertaining new friends, but unfortunately the last picture on the roll was captured moments before. A few new British slang words and witty conversation is all we have to remember the gang.

{last picture of the roll–post sun down & cocktails, no wonder}

I found myself savoring the film for pictures that I did not want to have immediately, but wanted eventually…an obvious internal debate. But, on my recent trip down to Florida I left my iPhone inside and took the disposable down to capture many moments seen through the disposable lens. The idea that someone might be blinking, in poor lighting or just a bad photograph builds the anticipation to make the pictures that much more special. I anxiously awaited the 24 hour turnaround for the pictures to be developed.

The spread of photos above from Gulf Shores, outings in Atlanta, and Panama City Beach, a few of my favorites shown below. As soon as the print-to-CD maker is back in business, I’ll post the full album on fb.

Next time you see a disposable, try it out. It’s not instant gratification, but you get to keep & share all of the memories with those in your pictures. As someone who loves pictures but rarely gets them developed–I know I’m not alone in the “it’s saved somewhere” mindset–but this is a nice alternative and a fun activity for documenting your endeavors away or around town.